Marlins-Pirates series in Puerto Rico is likely to be moved over Zika virus concerns

Mike Ehrmann /

A general view of Marlins Park during 2016 Opening Day between the Miami Marlins and the Detroit Tigers on April 5.

A general view of Marlins Park during 2016 Opening Day between the Miami Marlins and the Detroit Tigers on April 5.

(Mike Ehrmann /)

Associated Press

There's a very good chance the Miami Marlins' two-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Puerto Rico will not be held there because of concerns about the Zika virus, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday.

The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams said no decision had been made.

Marlins players attended a seminar on Zika that heightened concerns about playing the games in San Juan on May 30-31, team player representative Tom Koehler said. An announcement is expected by the end of the week regarding whether the games will be played as scheduled or moved, Koehler said.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave a presentation on the disease to the Marlins and representatives of Major League Baseball and the players' union.

"The information was more shocking to both sides," Koehler said. "Maybe shocking isn't the correct word, but there was a lot more information and data and numbers thrown our way that we didn't have."

The Chicago White Sox plan to cut John Danks on Thursday, ending the left-hander's 10-year run with the team.

Danks dropped his first four starts this season.

Erik Johnson will be promoted Thursday to pitch against the Red Sox.

The White Sox are responsible for the remaining portion of Danks' $14.25-million salary this year, a little more than $11.9 million. If Danks signs a major league contract with another club, the amount owed by the White Sox would be reduced by a prorated share of $507,500 minimum.